How to Score a Great Deal – Auction Tips

It’s Tuesday, which for me means,
It’s Auction Day!

Every Tuesday evening I head to my local auction house,
for some intense browsing, bustling and bidding.

I just love going to auctions,

but I know they can be a little intimidating if you are new to them.

Here’s my best tips for scoring

great items at great prices.

Where to find auctions?
–Your local paper
–Online (Google search your state’s auctioneer association)
Here’s the one for my state –
http://www.moauctioneers.org/Auctions
–Posters are frequently hung in gas stations, etc.

1.  Understand “auctionese” before you go.

It’s not difficult, but what’s important to know is

that generally the auctioneer will “chant” 2 prices.

“I’ve got $2 and a half, now $5, now $5…,
I’ve got $5, now 7 and a half, now 7 and a half…”

The $2.50 is either the previous bid or it’s just

the number the auctioneer is throwing out to start the bid.

The second price you hear is actually the price you’ll be bidding.
All the words in between are just filler words to generate activity.

To bid, hold up your bid card, your hand or shout “yes.”
The auctioneer or ring-person (auctioneer’s helper) will make eye contact with you,
take your bid and immediately turn and seek higher bids from others.
You can remove yourself from the process at any time
by shaking your head “no” or saying “no” if the auctioneer turns your way.
Should an auctioneer misinterpret any of your signals,
report the mistake right away.

Your state’s auctioneer association will likely
have a “primer” to help you understand the bidding
process as well.

2.  There are tons of things I find that I love at auctions,

but I’ve learned not to set my heart on any of them.

If I win them at the price I want – great,

if not, there will be a new “treasure” next week

that I’ll love just as much! 
You may find that perfect pie safe
that’s more affordable next week.

3.  See the potential in things and learn

to overlook what might be a turnoff to others.

I’m thrilled when I find things that are dirty!

*I* can clean dirt myself and get much

better prices on things when they

haven’t been polished up.

I also don’t mind painting or doing small repairs,

so I can often get amazing deals on things

that just need some attention.

If you are at all handy – be willing

to paint something that has a poor finish,

or put a new fabric seatcover on a pretty chair,
or add some missing screws.

4.  I have a very small budget.

The auctioneers don’t necessarily like it,

but my goal is to spend as little as

possible…not make them more money.

If an item isn’t getting bids,

I don’t have a problem holding up

my fingers to indicate I’m bidding

less than the price the auctioneer is calling

(for example, 4 fingers for $4).

I usually say the amount out loud too,

to make sure they understand I’m bidding less.

Some auctioneers will get annoyed with that, others don’t care. 

Someone can always outbid me…

so I’m not concerned with the auctioneers feelings

on the price I’m bidding.  I just don’t usually do
it more than once (or twice) at an auction.
Don’t want to make an enemy of the auctioneer!

5.  Things to bring:
Bring a pen! 
You’ll want to jot down the item and price
 you will pay on your bidding number card
(which you need to get before you start bidding).
If you can’t stay for an entire auction,
but want to bid on something that hasn’t been auctioned yet,
you can write your bid on your card and turn it in,
at the business desk.  They’ll notify the auctioneer
there’s a bid that’s been left on the item and will contact you if you’ve won.
***Auctions are NOT responsible for items not picked up right away –
so pick your item up as quickly as possible.

Bring a helper!
I drag invite one of my kids (usually my 11 year old),
to go to the auctions with me.
That way, when I win an item, he takes it to the van,
so I don’t have to leave the bidding and miss something.
He’s cheap labor – he’ll usually work for candy. :0)
**It’s okay to take your things to your vehicle before
paying.  You’ll pay right before you leave the auction,
and don’t have to drag around things the whole day.

Bring a hand towel and hand sanitizer!
Frequently auctions are outdoors at estate sales
or in poorly air-conditioned buildings.
You may sweat like a pig.  That’s where the hand towel comes in handy.
Things are frequently dirty at auctions.
That’s where the hand sanitizer comes in.

Bring comfy shoes, caffeine & pain reliever!
Auctions can go for HOURS…caffeine helps.  :0)
All the fun, bidding tension can leave you with a headache…
you’ll be glad you packed your pain reliever.
(you don’t have to stay until the end though)

6.  And my final tip…
If you’re short, like me,
get there early, get up close,
and hold your spot like you are defending a post!
Nothing is worse than being stuck behind
a bunch of tall men with hats on!

If the auctioneer is moving around from wagon to wagon,
(as is common at estate sales)
I follow him as close as a flea on a dog
or I’ll never see a thing that’s up for bid!

Here’s just a few of the many things I’ve won at auctions.

Good Luck & Have Fun!

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